2015 Navigation Map Update Available

[patriot]

I use either my Garmin or the nav app on my Windows phone. Both work grea, and through Bluetooth, I can tell it where I want to go.

[chuckl1218]

This has got me thinking......If I bought a new Silverado with GPS, should I make sure it has the newest map updates before I take delivery? How would I check the version on the truck?

On the Home screen touch Settings

On the Settings screen, touch Software Information. You may need to scroll down to see "Software Information" option.

Look for "Map" information. Confirm that the number matches the part number 23496379.

These are from the Nav Update installation instructions to verify the installation.

[ember1205]

This has got me thinking......If I bought a new Silverado with GPS, should I make sure it has the newest map updates before I take delivery? How would I check the version on the truck?

 

It all depends. ALL map databases are old. Typically, the version of the map database you get will pre-date the release of the update / version by 18 months or more. What you want to understand is what's different in the current version and whether it will impact you. For example: If you were living in Boston when they were wrapping up the Big Dig (or driving to/through there frequently), then you would want to get the map updates as soon as they included all of the new roadways available. Just because there's an update doesn't necessarily mean it will have impact to you.

[cansled]

I understand what you are saying, but what I mean is should the dealer update to the newest maps before a person takes delivery of a NEW truck? Only seems reasonable to expect that if you are paying for GPS.

[ember1205]

I've owned a bunch of vehicles with navigation. Newest map disc I ever got was two years old compared to the model year of the car. You get what you get when it's produced, and updates are a money maker for them. Unless the database of information that's in the car is missing a lot of information that you specifically need, you won't even care. And, if there's a lot that IS missing or wrong, then negotiate with the dealer to get you an update when it's available as part of the sale.

[chuckl1218]

At the time I bought my truck, the maps that were in the Nav were considered to be the latest available according to the data provider's web site. There were no updates available at the time even though technically they were old with some roads in my area missing. We've had a lot of new toll roads added in my area, so I wanted to have the latest map data. That is the only reason I got the update.

 

And after loading the update, there is something new...one might call it a "feature", although no one seems to know what it is or how to turn it off...every once in a while, it just blurts out, "Warning, you are approaching a divided highway!" I have found that it is not random as it happens every time I drive through 3 specific locations (probably will be more that I haven't run across yet), so it is repeatable. It happens whether I have an active trip route or not. It doesn't matter whether radio / Nav is on or not...just blurts it out. Called MyLink folks and they don't know what I'm talking about. Someone else on here mentioned it too. Most annoying.

[ember1205]

Have you gotten the re-programming done for the entire head unit? Lots of general issues with slowness, lock-ups, bluetooth going dead, etc. - they're basically all addressed with a whole new software update that was released fairly recently. My dealer told me that the typical software update is 1.5-2GB in size and this one is something like 16-18GB in size and will take quite a bit longer to install. I'm waiting to make my appointment and am hoping for some additional level of control over things. Maybe there's something in that new software that would let you configured that setting?

[PMattras]

The only way I would get the built in GPS if the truck already came with it and I was able to work the price down in the sale of the truck. It is nice to have but for me to move into now (WT trim level) it would be around $2,000 (+/-) plus the cost for updates making the change over not worth it. i also have some dislikes about size and location.

 

I just made a great stand for my Garmin that is close enough to see (very important/in driving view w/o looking down) and out of the sun for less than $100 which includes the Garmin and parts for the bracket. It works great! It was my first attempt and I may (no rush) improve on it later with different materials. The GPS comes with free up dates and could be used with other vehicles. No issues with directions for about two years with this unit.

 

I have been using a GPS for work a lot (different states/big cities) and personal travel (thoughtout USA) for many years. I am a heavy user and the new portable GPS today are better (split screens etc.) than the very first units. I never needed the voice and the only time I miss an exit etc. is because I am not paying attention, on the telephone or day dreaming. If you only need a GPS once in a while (less than 25%) there is no need for an expensive GPS in my opinion..

 

Usually I get the weather by TV the night before and I have a weather radio station while on the road. Prior to the GPS and smart phones etc, I had to use road maps which was a challenge in itself. Sales are down with portable GPS and the money to be made is now the ones they install/sell in vehicles. I don't see a big thing out of this except for another must have toy.

 

I could tell when people don't travel too much or unsure about their driving - they need the biggest screen with voice (the works) and they still have issues because they can't read/see the maps, roads and change overs etc. which it is all in the screen. I feel the tighter (smaller screen) is easy to see than a bigger screen because there is "too much" to look at to make a quick decision while driving. I am more focus on a smaller area as long as it is easy to see and in my direct line of view w/o looking down as little as possible. In my case, bigger is not always better. The only problem I have is I need to have it on all the time because of habit for ETA's and how much further I have to go. It is like watching your speedometer.

 

The other issue I just don't like it in the middle dash of the vehicle and not directly in my view of driving. I would like to see it redesigned (map details) above or side of the speedometer (more easier to see) but not blocking your driving view.

 

Don't get me wrong because I am not knocking down the big screen. Each to their own and you should spend your money anyway you want. It is just my experience on the use of a GPS and the way I would like it setup especially in fast moving heavy traffic and getting in and out of big cities.

[ember1205]

The display in the center of the dash pops up upcoming turn info, so the pertinent pieces are right in your field of view when you need them most.

There are other issues with how the display controls information that are more frustrating to me (like changing the map screen AND the dash display to a timer when someone calls me. Ummm... I need the map, not a counter that tells me how long I have been on a call for.

[chuckl1218]

Have you gotten the re-programming done for the entire head unit? Lots of general issues with slowness, lock-ups, bluetooth going dead, etc. - they're basically all addressed with a whole new software update that was released fairly recently. My dealer told me that the typical software update is 1.5-2GB in size and this one is something like 16-18GB in size and will take quite a bit longer to install. I'm waiting to make my appointment and am hoping for some additional level of control over things. Maybe there's something in that new software that would let you configured that setting?

After you get it done, please let us know the calibration or update number and how you like it.

[ember1205]

After you get it done, please let us know the calibration or update number and how you like it.

Will do. I'm probably a couple of weeks out from having it done since I'm also waiting for them to line up the headlight update as well (no bulbs currently available).

[Coppertone]

After you get it done, please let us know the calibration or update number and how you like it.

 

ditto

[tbarn]

GM software updates from the dealer are just bug fixes. They will be happy to sell you new map data if you want though. Assuming you don't have the latest.

[ccdies]

i forgot that i had navi till this post, lol. my display is set to radio, never used the navi yet

[jeffsig]

Is there any graphics updates included? Do the maps look identical to the version prior to update?